Returning to work???

[crepehanger]

I am glad!

Susie- I am glad you decided to wait. I had to back up and slow down, too. You'll be much better off. Lisa

[Theresa]

Susie,

If I could have waited longer I would have. Actually I also needed to get back to work because I was starting to drive myself nuts at home by myself. My husband travels a lot with his job and our daughter lives out of state and our son is away at school. I did come home thoroughly exhausted. I was also doing physical therapy 3 times a week. On those days I was able to leave at 2 pm. Just remember to take it easy. I am finally at the point where I don't even try to lift things or push the vaccum. I know that I will pay for it later! After the first two surgeries I kept trying to do stuff by myself. I think I have finally learned it's not worth it. Take care and I hope you continue to improve everyday!

[dawney]

I went back to work full time a little over 4 months after my surgery, I am over a year at this point. I have a phsyically demanding job and I was relieved to be able to stand without the pain. I am not completely pain free but it feels a thousand times better. I watched what I did and now I can pretty much do everything although I do watch what I lift. I am a retail manager by the way. I have to bend alot, however I can do a mean squat. Only you can know when you are ready and you must listen to what your body tells you.

[Susie*Bee]

Age and condition says it all!

Thanks again everyone, for your help. I think Dawney's response that she does a "mean squat" said it all to me. I am having to relearn/build up to being able to do even an "un-mean" squat. I think because of my back pain and the arthritis in my hips and knees, I haven't really squatted in years... I am about 18 years older than you too, Dawney. I had some "in home" physical therapy sessions for awhile after my surgery, and continued to do those exercises till now, but they were pretty basic ones. Today I began therapy at a rehab center-- and these sessions are supposed to strengthen and stretch my legs and arms. We did an evaluation a couple of days ago that showed my range of motion was really limited. I can't remember if it was my arms/shoulders or my hips, but one was less than half of what it should be, and the other not very much better. I've been having a real struggle (it hurts my arms and shoulders) trying to fasten/unfasten my bra, take a sweater off, etc. And I can't squat and keep my back perpendicular. Of course, I can't squat and get back up anyway!!! Also, when I walk I am tipping forward some, and to the side a little. I think some of that is because my muscles haven't adjusted to the straighter "me" and need to relearn my center. Hopefully these PT sessions will help me improve so I can do those things again, since I'm not supposed to bend over. Pretty pathetic! Oh well! BTW, I realize full well that there are plenty of people my age and lots older who can do those things. But I can't!

Do any of you similar aged (50s and early 60s) scoli people have those problems? Did it get better with time? and PT?

[dawney]

One thing that I have learned is that everyone is different. I am very thankful for what I can do with little pain. You still are recovering and as time goes by you will see improvement. I remember how happy I was when I was able to put pantyhose on. That took a long time. Good luck in your recovery.

[Susie*Bee]

Pantyhose?!!!

Way to go, Dawney! I'm impressed! I thought those days might be over for good, but was trying to figure out what to wear on my legs when I'm wearing a dress and still look dressed up. My grown daughters (in their twenties) go bare legged, but I always thought I needed to wear pantyhose to look "dressed." Maybe I'll get to wear pantyhose again sometime down the road of recovery. In the meantime, does anyone have suggestions?